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"Is your name really Saint? As in Santa Claus and good Ol' Saint Nick?" I accidently giggle staring at him.
He nods and flashes me a blinding smile as he walks to the door.
I actually remember something snapping my fingers at him. "You're Ruby’s boss, and that’s how you got roped into this game, right?"
"This isn’t a game and I'm not Rudy’s boss. She’s more like my partner, if you will." He opens the door and I get sad all of a sudden.
It feels like the day after Christmas and all the presents aren’t under the tree anymore. A wave of disappointment settles into my heart that I wasn’t expecting to feel. I walk closer to the door preparing to say goodbye.
He's reluctant to leave too and steps closer to me. "I'm feeling great sadness leaving you right now." He taps my nose. "Just remember I see you when you're sleeping and I know what you're wearing when you're awake." His silly Santa laugh rings out as he glances at my teddy. He's very proud of his little joke. "I'm just kidding. You can call me any of the names you mentioned." He leans into me again and sniffs my hair. "Yep, just like sugar cookies. My sweet tooth is activated around you. I will think about you, Joyful."
The wink he gives me stops my heart. He starts to walk away from me but I can't let him go. I must think of something to say quickly. Saint stops at the first note of my voice and spins around.
"You guys are all Christmas crazy. What happens during the other holidays? Are you going to come in here with an Easter bunny costume next?" I can't even laugh at my own joke or he'll think I'm nuts.
He strolls back to me and I hold my breath waiting. "Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling." Saint bends down and kisses my nose so sweetly I almost fall over. Then he takes off and I close the door in a haze. Wow that man is awesome. Maybe I should call Ruby and thank her for sending the hunk over. He called her Rudy though like the other guys last night.
Holy Jingle Bells!
I rip open the door but Saint is long gone. "That's Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?" I'm met with another booming Ho Ho Ho laugh. I can't see him this time.
I quickly shut the door, a little freaked out that it sounded like his chuckle came from the sky. I need to take a shower to clear my head. I've been pushing myself too much lately.
Chapter 3 - New Holiday Plans
Joy
I'm making a late lunch, and probably an early dinner too. I just realized I have nothing in the refrigerator either. I decided to make something easy like pasta. Anyone can make spaghetti. It’s just pre-made pasta noodles and homemade sauce. My temper is threatening to ruin this meal because I can't stop thinking about him. I’m stupid for not kissing Saint when I had the opportunity. I'm having major regrets sitting here all alone. Plus, I didn't even ask for his number, but he didn't ask for mine either so maybe he isn’t interested. Even if I had his number, I wouldn't be confident enough to use it.
Just thinking about that man makes me want chocolate chip cookies badly. He smells just like the warm gooey ones right out of the oven. I don’t understand the big joke they’re playing or what the end game is. I glance at my phone, sighing at the date. I can't believe there's only ten days until Christmas and my birthday is fast approaching too.
The knocking on the door startles me and I turn off the stove before walking to the door. My heart races at the prospect of Saint Nicholas being here again.
I pat my hair and open the door without checking the window. Ruby, Danni and her twin Pran or Prancer are standing on my doorstep. The sisters are all just smiling at me brightly.
"Hey guys, what are you doing here?" I ask confused and look behind them just in case. Nope, no men.
As one they push by me and step into the apartment taking my body with them. Danni and Pran disappear into my bedroom.
I frown and face Ruby with my hands on my hips. "Where are they going?" She ignores me and gives me a hug before strolling to the stove.
"We don't have time to eat but you should bring this with us. The guys will freak out." She takes a spoon and tastes my mom's special sauce.
I don’t know how I remembered the recipe today but it just came to me and I think it’s really delicious.
"Yummy, so good. You’re the full package, Joyful." Ruby giggles at the confused expression on my face.
“Thanks I guess, but what are you doing here?” I glance at my bedroom door when I hear the twins laughing.
"Saint didn’t tell you? I swear that man is hopeless.” She rolls her eyes and eats more pasta sauce. “This is great! You’re coming with us for Christmas this year. We like the colder weather and our town is up the mountain so we’re headed home for the holidays.”
“I can’t just go to your family’s for Christmas. That’s crazy talk. I need to focus on finding a new job and apartment.” I don’t really want to be alone but I’m also a little embarrassed to accept a pity invite to a stranger’s house. My back straightens with pride until I see the true affection in her eyes.
“You can work on that stuff after the holiday. It’s not crazy at all and there’s plenty of room. My family has agreed to come together to help with your list. You wouldn’t want to ruin our Christmas too by declining our invitation, right?” She gives me a pouting face then smiles. “Our town has great activities planned for Christmas. You’ll love it.” She grins at me and hugs me again when I don’t protest.
Well, that does sound reasonable and I wouldn’t want to ruin anyone else’s Christmas just because Ram ruined mine. “If you’re really serious about the invite then I’ll come because I don't have any plans, but you have to forget about that list. I told Saint earlier that it was a big joke too. You didn’t even warn me about how hot your boss is.” I give her a dirty look and she laughs.
“Oh, I want to hear all about that meeting but in the car. I’m so happy you accepted so quickly.” I frown and she waves her arm smiling. "Plus, with you around I get some time off too. I'm the head driver at Saint’s driving service and it’s a demanding job."
